For immediate release: Feb. 14, 2012

BWC now accepting applications for new
Workplace Wellness Program

Columbus - The Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) is now accepting applications for the new Workplace Wellness Grant Program. The program was created to help Ohio employers improve the overall health of their workforce and reduce injuries by adding a wellness component to their safety programs that addresses health risk factors specific to their workplaces.

"Our belief is that employers who support the wellness of their workforce will be less likely to have employees experience work-related accidents, injuries and illnesses," said BWC Administrator/CEO Steve Buehrer. "Reducing occupational injuries or illnesses reduces the number of workers' compensation claims, which lowers costs and supports a healthy, productive workforce."

Participating employers will be awarded up to $15,000 over four years to implement wellness programs addressing health risk factors such as obesity and chronic disease. BWC will gather data from participating employers to determine the effectiveness of the program in reducing claims frequency and costs, improving return-to-work and reducing health care costs to employers.

Applications for the BWC wellness grant program are available at ohiobwc.com. Employers are encouraged to call 1-800-OHIOBWC to verify eligibility before submitting the application.

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